Page 49 of Ever Dark

“No problem.”

As I walk back through the crowded bar with the wobbly tray of shots, I pray I don’t drop it on someone.

Halfway to our spot, an arm snakes around my waist. “Hey, darlin’. Come back over after you deliver those drinks. We want to order another round.”

I snort and look up to see a handsome blond man with a sloppy grin plastered on his face. “Um, yeah. So the bar’s over there, buddy. Go get them yourself.”

He bursts out laughing. “Oh, shit. You don’t work here. Sorry, beautiful. I’ll bring back another round for you too.”

I feel my cheeks flush. The whiskey is working. “Cool. Whatever.”

By the time I get back to Lettie, there are two more frat-looking guys on either side of her. “Wow, you guys don’t waste any time.”

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “Friends of yours?”

I laugh. “New friends, I guess.”

As we make introductions, the first guy I bumped into races back with a tray of his own. It’s filled to the edges with shots. “All right, ladies. What are your names, and what are we toasting to?”

I hold up one of my shots and raise it. “I’m Mia, and I’ll be drinking to welcome distractions.”

Lettie grabs one of my whiskey shots and wrinkles her brow at his tray. “I don’t drink tequila.”

“Well, we’ll get you something else. What’s your name, sweetheart?” he asks with that lazy grin still stuck on his face.

She crosses her arms over her chest. “Villette Crane.”

“Pretty,” one of the other ones says. I’ve already forgotten their names.

She leans over and whispers in my ear, “I’m not feeling them or this bar tonight.”

I nod. “We can leave. Wanna go somewhere else?”

There’s hesitation in her eyes as her gaze flits back to the groupof girls by the bar. But I don’t know her well enough to read her. “I think I just want to go home, Mia. Sorry.”

My heart sinks. I’m not ready to go back to my big, old, empty mansion yet. But I don’t want to guilt her into staying if she’s uncomfortable.

I shake my head. “It’s okay. I understand. I think I might hang here for a bit longer though.”

She sighs. “I don’t want to leave you here by yourself.”

“Ladies, what are we whispering about?” the jock drawls.

I ignore him. “I’m a big girl, remember? I’ll be fine. I’ll just call a car service if I drink too much. You do have those in this town, right?”

She nods as she side-eyes the three dudes. “Are you sure? I can stick around for a little longer.”

I pull her into an embrace. “Don’t be silly. I’m having a good time, and you aren’t. Go home and get some rest. I’ll call you later.”

She hugs me back. “Please be careful and text me the second you get home.”

Her concern is new to me. It’s nice to have a friend who gives a shit about my wellbeing. “I’ll do one better. I’ll text you when I leave the barandwhen I get home.”

She gives the guys a shaky wave before she stalks off. I watch her walk over to the bar, lean over it, and whisper something into the bald man’s ear. He nods and looks over in my direction.

I can’t help but smile. I assume she’s asked him to keep an eye on me. It’s sweet but not necessary. But it makes my heart melt all the same. Lettie is good people.

A hand slides across my lower back, his fingertips inch up underneath my shirt. “Her loss. More drinks for us now.”

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